Surabaya Schools Banned From Selling Uniforms; Batik and Sports Attire to Be Standardized from 2027

Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has issued a ban on public elementary and middle schools within the city from selling school uniforms, including batik attire. This policy aims to standardize the patterns and colors of batik and sports uniforms across the city starting in 2027. Mayor Cahyadi emphasized that batik uniforms will be produced centrally to ensure uniform patterns, colors, and quality, while also being offered at low prices. This move comes in response to numerous complaints from parents regarding price disparities and the high cost of uniforms sold at schools. An evaluation by the city administration revealed significant price imbalances between schools, with some selling uniforms for Rp 115,000 compared to the market price of Rp 80,000-90,000. Cahydi stated that varying fabric quality leading to price differences would create social inequality among students. "This nation must uphold the principle of standing equally, sitting at the same low level. I want all students to wear uniforms with the same standards and quality, with only the school identity name differentiating them," he explained. He also clarified that standard national uniforms (red and white for elementary, blue and white for middle school) can be purchased freely by parents anywhere. All school uniform procurement will be coordinated under the Surabaya City Education Office, with prices set to be cheaper than the retail market. Head of the Surabaya City Education Office, Febrina Kusumawati, stressed that schools should fully return to their educational function, with teachers and principals focusing on good teaching without being burdened by uniform business or production. While standard national uniforms and scout uniforms can be bought freely, thematic uniforms like batik and sports attire, which were previously produced by individual schools with different designs and colors, have often caused disparities and risks of financial detriment to parents. "Next year, we will standardize batik and sports uniforms for all public elementary and middle schools in Surabaya. Like KORPRI uniforms for civil servants, the pattern will be exactly the same throughout Surabaya. No more schools designing their own pictures or designs," she said. The Education Office is currently in intensive coordination with the Department of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Trade to design a distinctive Surabaya batik motif, establish it with formal legal basis, and have it produced by local SMEs. Regarding uniform procurement, it is guaranteed that the city will bear all costs free of charge through the Education Office budget. Parents are free to purchase uniforms at general stores or SME centers at standard market prices. Mayor Cahyadi's directive also warned against any officials profiting from price markups on uniform sales. For instance, if a uniform costs Rp 85,000 at a store, schools are not permitted to sell it above that standard price. Even existing stock cannot be sold for profit. Febrina expressed hope that standardization of patterns and controlled pricing mechanisms will ensure transparent prices for the public. "Furthermore, this policy is expected to contribute to the empowerment of local SMEs in Surabaya," she added. Source: Detik